1. GCE Modern Languages: French January 2017
A2 Launch & Support
GCE Modern Languages:
French
January 2017

2. Contacts: GCE Modern Languages
Education Manager: Seán McNally [with overall responsibility for A level]
Telephone: Ext 2325
Education Manager: Eileen Lisk
Telephone: Ext 2255
Subject Support Officer: Joan Jennings
Telephone: Ext 2552
Specification, sample assessment and support materials available on the subject microsite at

3. Why choose CCEA?
We support Learners - CCEA puts the learner at the centre of everything we do. We think about what learners need for life and work and then build solutions to meet those needs. We do this for the entire curriculum – from Foundation and Early Years to A level and beyond.
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4. Working with CCEA The benefits:
teacher cover/travel expenses provided [as appropriate]
first-hand experience of how the examining system works
user insight to the standards required for the assessment
opportunity to examine assessments across a range of abilities
improved learning and teaching outcomes
creates links with CCEA personnel/subject officer/NICILT
opportunity to network with other professionals
provides recognition and enhances the professional development of teachers
GCSE Revision of Specifications Launch events Feb/March
Examiners and moderators are vital to the success of the examining system
Teachers provide expert knowledge of the specification content
Understanding of the capabilities of the candidature at a specific level

5. Specification and SAMs overview AS review Questions and Answers

6. GCE FRENCH A2 NEW SPECIFICATION For first teaching in September 2017

7. A2 at a glance A2: 60% of A level A2 1: Speaking - 18% of A level
A2 2: Reading % of A level
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading
A2 3: Extended Writing - 18% of A level

8. A2 Subject content (1) Young People in Society part-time jobs
education and employment
career planning – aspirations and intentions
young people and democracy
European citizenship – advantages, disadvantages and opportunities
societal attitudes and young people

9. A2 Subject content (2) Our Place in a Changing World
equality/inequality and discrimination/prejudice
poverty at home and abroad – causes, consequences and measures to combat it
immigration and emigration - causes, benefits and related issues
multicultural society and cultural identity – benefits and challenges
causes, consequences and resolution of conflict
sustainable living and environmental issues

10. Assessment Objectives
There are four assessment objectives:
AO1: understand and respond to spoken language (20%)
AO2: understand and respond to written language (30%)
AO3: manipulate the language accurately (30%)
AO4: show knowledge and understanding of aspects of the culture/society of French speaking countries and communities (20%)

11. A2 1: Speaking This unit has two elements:
an introduction (one minute) and discussion (5 minutes) based on an individual research project
AO4: 30 marks
AO3: 10 marks
a general conversation (9 minutes)
AO1: 25 marks

12. A2 1: Speaking What has changed
One minute introduction to the discussion
No film option for the discussion
Marks awarded for AO4 in the discussion
What hasn’t changed
Cultural, historical or region options for the discussion
General conversation

13. Introduction and Discussion
The introduction should not last more than one minute.
Candidates should not expect one question on each of the five headings on their summary sheet. The discussion should not consist of a series of mini-presentations.
Candidates should engage with the question and avoid reeling off prepared material at a fast pace.

14. Conversation
A general conversation that focuses on the A level themes at a level appropriate to A2.
Candidates should develop their answers and endeavour to include opinions.
Candidates should lead the conversation in a natural way by seizing opportunities to introduce favourite topics.

15. A2 2 Section A: Listening AO1: 25 marks 45 minutes Content
Q1: QA in French – 10 marks
Q2: QA in English – 15 marks
What has changed
Fewer questions/marks in Question 2

16. A2 2: Listening
In Q1, candidates can use phrases from the spoken stimulus. There is no need to rephrase.
A simple transcription of the stimulus will not be rewarded if it does not answer the question appropriately.
Some answers do not have to be in full sentences.
The Mark Scheme is an informative reference point.

17. A2 2 Section B: Reading AO2: 40 marks AO3: 35 marks 2 hours Content
Q1: Gap-filling AO2: 10 marks
Q2: QA in French AO2: 15 marks
Q3: Summary in English AO2: 15 marks
Q4: Translation into French AO3: 35 marks

18. A2 2 Section B: Reading What has changed
No objective assessment task or synonyms
New question: Summary from French into English
(with a word limit of 100 words)
Translation up to 130 words
What hasn’t changed
Gap-filling exercise

19. Gap-filling exercise 10 gaps and 15 possible words available.
This is both a comprehension test and a grammatical exercise.
Candidates should be able to identify the appropriate part of speech needed to complete a sentence.

20. Reading Comprehension
Candidates answer in French.
They are assessed according to the AO2 criterion only.
There are no marks for AO3.
Candidates may use phrases from the stimulus provided their response answers the question appropriately.
The Mark Scheme is an informative reference point.

21. Summary There is a word limit of 100 words.
The summary should be in good English (QWC is assessed in this question)
Candidates can only access the top band if they cover the key points within the word limit.
The Mark Scheme is an informative reference point.

22. Translation into French
The translation tests grammatical structures and core vocabulary.
Synoptic assessment is part of the specification so the vocabulary may be of a general nature.
Synonyms are accepted but candidates should be careful of rephrasing or simplifying.
Repeated or consequential errors are not penalised repeatedly.

23. A2 3: Extended Writing
Content One essay response on a set text A02 (Understanding and Response) 35 marks AO4 (Knowledge of the text) 20 marks AO3 (Target Language) 20 marks One hour

24. A2 3: Extended Writing Texts Mauriac: Thérèse Desqueyroux
Pagnol: La Gloire de mon père
Prévert: A selection of poems *
Sartre: Les Mains sales
* See Appendix 4 of the Specification for the list of poems

25. A2 3: Extended Writing What has changed No word limit
What hasn’t changed
Each question has two open-ended options

26. A2 3: Extended Writing: AO2
The introduction should be short and relevant.
Candidates should focus on the question and avoid story-telling or all-purpose responses.
Candidates should plan their answer to avoid repetition or the introduction of irrelevant material.
Structured answers following the plan will support candidates.

27. A2 3: Extended Writing: AO4
Candidates should illustrate their points with details from the text.
Quotations are desirable but not essential.
Quotations should be accurate and relevant.

28. A2 3: Extended Writing: AO3
There is no word limit.
Short answers may be at risk under AO4 (not enough detailed knowledge).
Candidates who write overlong answers may be at risk under AO2 (repetition and/or irrelevance).
They may also be at risk under AO3 (basic errors).

29. Questions and Answers